Mission Monday

Adaptive Athletics Foundation of Maryland (AAFMD) 2nd Annual for Purpose Benefit Gala Edgewater, Maryland November 7, 2025

Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland

The AAFMD held their 2nd Annual for Purpose Benefit Gala on November 7, 2025 at the Yellowfin Steak & Fish House Restaurant in Edgewater, Maryland. The Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter, Inc was a Gold Sponsor. Donna Robinson and Janice Chance represented the Maryland Chapter. They were joined by Gold Star Step dad Charlton Chance. Also, attending the event was the top enlisted Marine at Marine Barracks Washington, DC, Sergeant Major Jimmy Richard Jr, and his wife. The evening included a delicious buffet dinner, music, silent auction, and speakers who shared powerful inspiring testimonies. John Edward Heath, retired U. S Marine, former professional athlete from Maryland and Founder/CEO of the AAFMD and his team sponsored this event. John highlighted accomplishments made during their first year. He also shared that the vital funds raised will be used “to expand and enhance programs for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities, purchase support equipment, coaching, events, and resources needed to empower athletes of all abilities to compete, grow, and thrive. Together, we can continue breaking barriers and building a stronger, more inclusive community—one athlete at a time”. The event was well attended. It was an unforgettable evening in support of adaptive sports.

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Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down VA Medical Center Washington, DC November 1, 2025

​Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland

The annual Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down was hosted at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center. The day-long event brought together VA employees, volunteers, and community partners to offer immediate assistance, services, and resources to unsheltered and at-risk Veterans throughout the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and areas of Maryland. Gold Star Mothers Janice Chance and Paula Davis volunteered and handed out coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches, and donuts to the Veterans who stood in line waiting to go inside the event. They also helped serve lunch to the Veterans. DC VA Medical Center Social Workers and Peer Support Teams work with local shelters as well as traveling to local neighborhoods, identifying Veterans to pair with VA health care, benefits, and services, and local resources. The event demonstrates VA’s commitment to “Partner to End and Prevent Homelessness, One Veteran at a Time.” 30 participating federal, state, and local agencies and community organizations offered services. It was wonderful to see all the smiles on the Veterans' faces as they went from tent to tent, receiving coats, boots, socks, personal care kits, and other items. We look forward to volunteering in the future.